Cubana Chief Priest
Breaking: Cubana Chief Priest, EFCC To Settle Out Of Court Over Alleged Naira Abuse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, are exploring possibility of settlement the alleged case of Naira abuse preferred against the bartender out-of-court.
The presiding judge, Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos, has consequently fixed Thursday, June 5, for report of settlement.
The EFCC arraigned Okechukwu on April 17, 2024, on a three-counts charge of allegedly spraying and tampering with the Naira notes during a social event at Eko hotel in Lagos.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N10 million.
Justice Ogundare had then adjourned the case until May 2, for hearing of the preliminary objection and trial.
When the case was called on Thursday, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari appeared for the prosecution, while Mr Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) announced appearance for the defendant.
The defence counsel then informed the court that parties are exploring settlement and have applied that the matter be settled pursuant to the provisions of section 14(2) of the EFCC Act.
He told the court that if the prosecution confirms the position as true, then there will be a need to apply for a withdrawal of defence’s preliminary objection and allow for a reconciliation.
In response, the prosecutor confirmed the position as stated by defence counsel and told the court that the application is still being considered.
Following the position, defence counsel then applied for a withdrawal of the preliminary objection and since there was no objection from the prosecution the court granted same.
The court, consequently, adjourned the case until June 5, for report of settlement.
In the charge, the defendant was said to have tampered with the funds in the denomination of N500, while dancing at the social event in Eko hotel.
The offence contravenes the provisions of section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act of 2007.
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